PM: Removal of radical elements boosts chances for Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that after the death of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh and the assassination of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, the likelihood of reaching a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, as well as the release of hostages, has not diminished—in fact, it has increased.

Netanyahu said in an interview with Time magazine, where he noted that the absence of "radical elements" who had opposed such a deal could pave the way for an agreement, Caliber.Az reports.

When asked whether the chances for a deal had improved following the deaths of Shukr and Haniyeh, Netanyahu responded, "Yes, I believe so. In fact, I think the likelihood has increased because some radical elements who were against the deal are no longer with us."

However, Netanyahu declined to comment on Israel's involvement in the death of the Hamas Political Bureau chief.

The situation in the Middle East sharply escalated after armed supporters of the Palestinian radical group Hamas infiltrated Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023. This incursion was marked by the killing of residents in border communities and the capture of over 240 hostages. In response, Israel launched a military operation in the enclave aimed at dismantling Hamas' military and political structures and securing the release of all abducted individuals. The fighting in the Gaza Strip continues.